Spending four days with communicators from around the world always causes me to pause and consider the dynamics of a worldwide association. IABC, and other associations like it, allow you to:
- Develop and nurture relationships with people who share your interests and challenges
- Learn about new ideas, new technologies, cultural challenges in other places, and more
- Become a better world practitioner and citizen
- Connect with people around the globe
Such associations are not without their downsides and points of frustration. For example:
- Sometimes the politics or personal conflicts blind us from the benefits
- With more than 15,000 members, it’s impossible to make everyone happy all the time
- With so much depending on the goodwill of volunteers, things may move a bit slower and not always happen the way we desire
I saw some IABC conference attendees last week in a frenzy to get here and there. Trying to take in every last little bit. I used to be there too, but I’ve had enough time now to adjust. I take a more relaxed approach, getting to what I can or really want to, catching up with people who are important to me, and securing 3-4 new friends.
Then, work on those new relationships during the year. Stay in touch. Don’t let conference be the single connection point. Stay connected year round, so when that one face-to-face chance comes at conference, you can truly enjoy.
I find the toughest part of conference is that if you are focused on learning and connecting, there is little time left over for work. Plan on not doing any. Treat it like vacation. You are away with purpose. Let others take care of the ranch for a few days.
See you in San Fran.
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